Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Belgium vs USA ended with a 4-1 World Cup knockout win for the Red Devils, but the aftermath turned just as sharp after Belgium appeared to mock Donald Trump and the Folarin Balogun red card controversy.
The Round of 16 clash had been dominated by FIFA’s decision to clear Balogun to play despite his red card in the previous match, a call praised by Trump and challenged by Belgium before kick-off.
Belgium’s response came after USA were humbled in a brutal World Cup crashout against merciless Belgium.
Belgium Answer On The Pitch
Belgium made sure the pre-match noise did not affect their football.
Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute before quickly restoring Belgium’s lead after Malik Tillman equalised for the United States in the 31st minute.
Matt Freese’s mistake allowed Hans Vanaken to make it 3-1, before Romelu Lukaku added a fourth in second-half stoppage time.
After the match, Belgium’s official X account posted “overturn this”, a pointed reference to the failed appeal over Balogun’s eligibility.
FIFA Row Adds Heat
Trump had described FIFA’s call to allow Balogun to play as a “brilliant decision”.
“He (Balogun) didn’t do anything wrong and he is our best player,” Trump told reporters at the Oval Office.
“When they take your best player and say, ‘You can’t play’ it’s very unfair.”
“I think they made a really brilliant decision. I asked for a review. If they would not allow a top player to play I think it (the World Cup) would have had a big stain. I related that feeling.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the case was handled by independent judicial bodies.
“During our conversation I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies,” Infantino said in a statement.
Belgium now face Spain in California for a semi-final place against France or Morocco.
Official tournament updates are available through FIFA.
